Lawsuit against city, police chief moves to federal court
Published Thursday, August 7, 2008
Digg
delicious
Facebook
Mixx
Reddit
Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — A lawsuit against the city of Fairbanks, its police chief and its deputy chief was moved to federal court. The suit, filed July 1 in state court, was brought by two police officers.
The officers, Doug Whorton and Al Hutton, claim they were demoted because of their attempts to bring to light problems with the police department, including faulty equipment, lack of officer training and nepotism, court filings state.
The city’s answer to the officers’ claims is due Friday.
The case was moved to federal court Friday because of federal constitutional claims, including that the officers’ free speech was violated, documents show. District Judge Ralph Beistline will preside over the case.
Linda Johnson, attorney for the officers, said they did not protest the city’s request to change the venue.
“We are sure that we can get a fair hearing in either court,” Johnson said after being reached Wednesday in her Anchorage office.
Jermain Dunnagan & Owens of Anchorage is representing the city. Joe Evans of Bremerton, Wash., is the attorney for Chief Dan Hoffman and Deputy Chief Brad Johnson.
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.